National proposes lower student loan repayments for graduates staying in New Zealand

Sunday 30 August 2026 · 4 outlets · 4 reports · updated Sun 30 Aug, 10:45am

In this story Christopher Luxon, National Party, Nicola Willis

The National Party plans to reduce compulsory student loan repayment rates from 12 to 10 cents for every dollar earned above the threshold from April 2027. This policy aims to reward those staying in the country while introducing tougher penalties for graduates who move overseas to avoid debt repayment.

How they headlined it

10am10:20am

1. Stuff via The PostSun 30 Aug, 10:00am

   National offers student loan sweetener in new election policy (opens in new tab)

2. NZ HeraldSun 30 Aug, 10:00am

   Election 2026: National pledges lower student loan repayments for graduates staying in NZ, new penalties on Kiwis overseas (opens in new tab)

3. 1NewsSun 30 Aug, 10:20am

   National plans to ease student loan repayments for grads who stay in NZ (opens in new tab)

4. Otago Daily TimesSun 30 Aug, 10:45am

   National vows to reduce student loan repayment rate if re-elected (opens in new tab)